About United Way of Central Ohio

We have one clear purpose: reduce poverty in our community. By bringing people and systems together and mobilizing them to act, we’re helping to change community conditions and build a stronger central Ohio.

Our Mission

Improve the lives of others by mobilizing the caring power of our community.

Our Vision

Build a community in which everyone has the aspirations, resources and opportunities to reach their fullest potential.

We are your neighbors, co-workers and friends. We are a collaboration of donors, volunteers, organizations and experts—UNITED around the shared sense of purpose to reduce poverty in our community. Founded in 1923, United Way of Central Ohio is one of the largest United Ways in the country. We bring together more than 80,000 donors, advocates and volunteers, because when we speak and act together, we have the power to do more and our impact multiplies.

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United Way has enjoyed the support of central Ohio for many years with a proud tradition of advancing the common good.

In 1887, church leaders in Denver recognized the need for a combined effort to solve the city’s social welfare problems and organized to raise funds to support 22 health and welfare groups.

In Columbus, the first steps were taken toward creating a more unified system of charities called “The Society of Organized Charities” and was designed to prevent overlapping and duplication. It became the city’s first united community planning group and information agency. The Society operated until 1899 when it was reorganized into the Associated Charities of Columbus.

In 1913, the first Community Chest was formed in Cleveland and was modeled after the Jewish Federation. Between 1919 and 1929 the number of community chests grew from 39 to 353 and by 1948 there were 1,000.

In 1923, a major step was taken. The Columbus Community Fund was formed to conduct a combined fund-raising campaign for 28 human services agencies. The fund was chaired by the Reverend E.F. Chauncey who was the rector of Trinity Episcopal Church and who called the campaign a “crusade.” The campaign set a goal of $488,425 and successfully raised $600,769.

America’s entry into WWII changed everything. Columbus became the second city in the nation to organize a War Chest and included the coordination of various charity drives.

In 1943, Organized Labor supported the idea of workplace giving through payroll deduction. Members of AFL-CIOs were elected to boards and now national labor organizations encouraged workplace giving.

By 1948, more than 1,000 communities had established United Way organizations.

In Ohio, United Appeals of Franklin County in 1951 became United Appeal and in 1972 to conform to the national trend, we became United Way of Franklin County.

Finally, in 2000, we adopted United Way of Central Ohio to locally reflect the communities we serve.

United Way of Central Ohio is a volunteer-driven organization

Whose purpose is to measurably improve lives in our community. We recognize our responsibility to the community and the people we serve. We value those relationships and believe that we and our representatives must act in ways that honor the trust those communities have placed in us.

We adhere to a Code of Ethics that is based on the ethical standards of integrity, accountability, confidentiality, diversity, fairness and respect. As a member of United Way Worldwide, we follow The Global Standards for United Way Organizations. These Standards articulate the principles and practices that make United Way organizations unique and successful wherever they are in the world. As we work toward the goal of improving lives and strengthening our community, we also work to earn our community’s trust every day by maintaining the very highest standards of accountability and transparency.

We adhere to comprehensive requirements for audited financial statements that ensure consistency and transparency on the part of each local United Way. Diversity and inclusion inform every aspect of our work. We are continually aware of the importance of racial disparities and create strategies to reduce them.

United Way of Central Ohio is a volunteer-driven organization

Concerned and compassionate citizens created United Way of Central Ohio to help people in need and make our community a better place for everyone.

Today, we are mobilizing the caring power of thousands of individuals and central Ohio employers to advance the common good. Together, we are working to create opportunities for a better life for all. We are joining hands, opening our hearts, lending our muscle and finding our collective voice.

United Way of Central Ohio is a volunteer-driven organization

whose purpose is to measurably improve lives in our community. We recognize our responsibility to the community and the people we serve. We value those relationships and believe that we and our representatives must act in ways that honor the trust those communities have placed in us.

We adhere to a Code of Ethics that is based on the ethical standards of integrity, accountability, confidentiality, diversity, fairness and respect. As a member of United Way Worldwide, we follow The Global Standards for United Way Organizations. These Standards articulate the principles and practices that make United Way organizations unique and successful wherever they are in the world. As we work toward the goal of improving lives and strengthening our community, we also work to earn our community’s trust every day by maintaining the very highest standards of accountability and transparency.

We adhere to comprehensive requirements for audited financial statements that ensure consistency and transparency on the part of each local United Way. Diversity and inclusion inform every aspect of our work. We are continually aware of the importance of racial disparities and create strategies to reduce them.

Our success is measured by how well we make sustainable improvements in our community.

As we work toward the goal of advancing the common good, we also work to earn our community’s trust every day by maintaining the very highest standards of accountability and transparency.

We believe we have a responsibility, both to our donors and to the community itself, to ensure that the dollars people entrust to us are invested in ways that will produce the greatest measurable impact on lives, enabling our region to thrive. We now have over 50 funded partners who share our vision of creating positive change right here, in our communities in central Ohio.

Your Contribution Will Be Well Spent

United Way rigorously studies, personally inspects and re-qualifies each organization we support — every year. Our staff and volunteer experts evaluate and assist funded programs to deliver their services effectively and efficiently.

We offer our funded programs:

Technical assistance and training

Capacity building opportunities

Guidance for defining and measuring impact

Volunteer and board member recruitment

We maximize your contribution.

We take the business of managing and investing your gift seriously. We maintain efficient and effective operations – our current administrative and fundraising costs are only 11.6 percent of total net revenues.

Our performance exceeds Better Business Bureau guidelines, due to stringent cost controls and to the dedication of thousands of volunteers.

Our extremely low overhead ensures that the vast majority of your money goes to people in need.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At United Way of Central Ohio, diversity, equity and inclusion inform every aspect of our work. We understand from experience that the best solutions are crafted by diverse perspectives and stakeholders.

Diversity is who we are. Our Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers come from many walks of life and reflect the many faces that make up our community. Our greatest strength is that we’re not all the same.

Inclusion is essential to what we do and strengthens our community. It is at the heart of what it means to Live United and to advance the common good; to be a diverse, equitable and inclusive system is fundamental to fighting poverty in central Ohio.

Equity is making sure everyone in the community has what they need to reach their full potential. We align resources, build strong partnerships and ensure the fair treatment of everyone.

Years ago, we laid the foundation. Moving forward, we will continue to leverage and build upon the talent, strength and opportunity that is available in central Ohio.

Financials

We adhere to comprehensive requirements for audited financial statements that ensure consistency and transparency on the part of each United Way.

Our requirements are based on current best practices in our industry as well as generally accepted accounting principles and requirements. The United Way system also includes requirements for completion of the IRS Form 990 to ensure transparency using consistent standards.

Independent Organization

United Way of Central Ohio (UWCO) is an independent organization founded and governed by local volunteers to create opportunities for a better life for all. UWCO is a member of United Way Worldwide and annually completes certification of strict membership requirements.

Strict Checks And Balances

United Way of Central Ohio has a stringent system of checks and balances in place to ensure it is operated in a sound fiscal manner. Through our Board of Trustees and volunteer committees, we draw upon the financial and management expertise in our community to continuously improve our fiscal performance. The organization’s operating budget as well as its community funding decisions are reviewed and approved by several volunteer committees, including the Board of Trustees.

High Audit Ratings

Each year, United Way of Central Ohio undergoes an annual financial statement audit by an independent CPA firm. The latest audit can be found here. Our independent auditors reported our financial statements fairly and accurately present the financial position of United Way of Central Ohio. The annual audit is approved by the volunteer Audit Committee and is also reviewed by the Board of Trustees.

Openness To Sharing Financial Information

United Way of Central Ohio’s work is made possible thanks to the support of thousands of individual investors and central Ohio employers who trust us to prudently invest their donations on behalf of the common good. Information regarding donations is available to all donors and we welcome questions regarding our investments in programs and services.

United Way Worldwide Membership Standards

Designations will be assessed noncollectable and administrative fees in accordance with United Way Worldwide Membership Standards. United Way of Central Ohio’s administrative fee is currently 10%.

Operating Policies

In order to maintain your trust, written policies and procedures are in place for your review.

We demand strong financial management, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, compliance with all United Way Worldwide membership requirements, and internal controls over all United Way resources.

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Biography:

Originally from the Cleveland area, Kourtni has lived, worked, and served in central Ohio since 2010, committed to engaging and learning from her Columbus community. To date, she has nearly 10 years of community service and advocacy experience.

Kourtni is the HR Manager at United Way of Central Ohio, where she leads an organizational strategic goal focused on creating a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, oversees benefits administration, and works closely with diversity and inclusion to assess and provide diversity, inclusion and equity initiatives to staff. She also serves as a member of the organization’s Leadership Team.

Kourtni is a member of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and in 2018, she received her SHRM certification. She is passionate about reinvesting in central Ohio, demonstrated through her completion of UWCO’s Project Diversity program, as a fellow of the 2020 African American Leadership Academy class and volunteerism at Community Shelter Board, and Godman Guild Association’s mentoring program. Kourtni has previously served on the Hilliard/Ray Patch YMCA Advisory Board and as the secretary of the Board of Trustees for Bridgeway Academy.

Lisa Courtice, Ph.D. President and CEO

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President and CEO

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Biography:

Lisa S. Courtice is president and CEO of United Way of Central Ohio, one of the largest United Way organizations in the country. Under her leadership, United Way is helping to mobilize the central Ohio community to reduce poverty.

Dr. Courtice is a Ph.D. psychologist with over twenty-five years of experience working in nonprofit leadership having served for over ten years as the CEO, Co-CEO and clinical director of agencies directly providing services to those living in poverty in Ohio. For the last thirteen years she has served as executive vice president and leader of community research and grants management of The Columbus Foundation, the seventh largest community foundation in the country.

Lisa currently serves on the Ohio United Way and the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio. In 2018 she was appointed by Columbus City Council to serve as a commissioner on the Commission on Black Girls. Her professional leadership has included chairing on the Weinland Park Collaborative and serving on the Ohio Wesleyan University and Columbus School for Girls Board of Trustees. Lisa received her Bachelor of Arts from Syracuse University, her Master of Arts from West Virginia University and her Ph.D. from the University of Akron.

Cheryl Nelson Sr. Vice President of Finance & CFO

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Sr. Vice President of Finance & CFO

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Biography:

Cheryl Nelson is Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for the United Way of Central Ohio. In her role, Cheryl is committed to ensuring the organization maintains adherence to strict accountability and transparency standards to maintain financial integrity and donor trust.

Cheryl has been a CPA (currently inactive) since 1987 and has over 25 years of experience in public accounting, healthcare finance and non-profit financial and operational management. Prior to joining the United Way in May 2001, Cheryl was the CFO of the Jewish Community Center (a United Way member agency) for four years. Cheryl’s first United Way experience was working as a Loaned Executive during the 1987 campaign.

Cheryl currently serves as an alumni member and past chair of the United Way Worldwide Financial Issues Committee. She is also a member of the Operations Council for UPIC Solutions, a national administrative services cooperative managed by local United Ways. Cheryl’s other volunteer work includes serving as a mentor in the United Way Women’s Leadership E3 program and a site coordinator for the TaxTime free tax preparation service.

Katy Burrier Senior Vice President – Resource Development

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Senior Vice President – Resource Development

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Biography:

Katy has spent over 20 years in business development in Columbus. In her position she is charged with inspiring giving by individuals and organizations to help reduce poverty. Katy has given generously of her time throughout her career. She has served on two boards, Columbus Speech & Hearing and Junior Achievement of Central Ohio and she has volunteered for other countless organizations like A Kid Again, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, HBA of Columbus and spent 12 years on the Marketing and Communications Committee at United Way of Central Ohio. Prior to United Way, Katy led the strategy and growth for revenue at Columbus Business First and was a top producer for a combined 18 years.

Katy has a passion to serve. She is a wife of 20 years, mother of three and was born and raised in central Ohio.

Michael Wilkos SVP of Community Impact

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SVP of Community Impact

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Biography:

Michael Wilkos is Senior Vice President of Community Impact. His team develops effective strategies to improve our community and invests in programs provided by funded partners to implement these strategies.

Prior to joining United Way, Michael was Director of Community Research at The Columbus Foundation. During his tenure at the foundation he initiated, led, and managed more than $9 million in competitive grant-making to support holistic community revitalization in Weinland Park, an effort to stabilize and revitalize a mixed-income community near The Ohio State University. Prior to joining the foundation, Michael served as Senior Impact Director and Director of Neighborhood Development at United Way of Central Ohio. In that position he managed program allocations supporting neighborhood development strategies. Among many other duties, he also directed volunteer involvement in developing and implementing strategies supporting housing and community safety programs.

Valerie Ridgeway Vice President, Community Impact

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Vice President, Community Impact

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Biography:

Valerie is the Assistant Vice President for Community Impact Operations. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the Community Impact Department and works cross-functionally with other departments to ensure collaboration, communication and the implementation of strategies and processes that ensure maximum success.

Valerie began her career with United Way of Central Ohio in December 2007 as the organization’s first full-time Public Policy Director. In that role she oversaw the development and implementation of United Way’s public policy agenda and helped advance public policies that impacted early care and education, financial stability, safe and affordable housing and access to healthcare. Her efforts helped establish United Way’s presence among statewide coalitions that advocate on behalf of health and human services.

In April 2016 Valerie was promoted to Assistant Vice President for Public Policy & Government Relations where she worked to ensure the integration of public policy advocacy throughout United Way’s work. In September 2017 Valerie transitioned to her current role of Assistant Vice President for Community Impact Operations.

Valerie is a 2010 graduate of Leadership Columbus and a 2018 graduate of the African American Leadership Academy (Favored 14). Valerie graduated from Miami University with a degree in Communications. Prior to relocating to Columbus, Valerie served as the Public Policy Coordinator for Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland. She also managed the public policy activities of the Cleveland Area Alzheimer’s Association and the Ohio Council of the Alzheimer’s Association. Valerie enjoys gardening, music, theatre arts, swimming, pouring into the lives of others and spending time with family and friends.

United Way of Central Ohio’s Philanthropy Advisory Team replaces our former Campaign Cabinet volunteers. This nimble team of community leaders offers guidance and support of our year-round campaign strategy and provides valuable feedback on strategies for continuing to strengthen our fundraising model. Thank you to our very valuable volunteers for their leadership and commitment to fighting poverty in our community.

Joe Chlapaty

UWCO Board of Trustees

Scott Barbour

Advanced Drainage Systems

Jackie Dees

Deloitte & Touche

Melissa Ingwerson

KeyBank

Liza Kessler

Jones Day

Jordan Miller

Fifth Third Bank (retired)

Alex Shumate

Squire Patton & Boggs

Planning and Investment Committee

The Planning and Investment Committee provides the strategic guidance and oversight necessary to ensure the advancement of UW’s funding investments. The committee helps to ensure that funding investments align with UW’s Community Impact strategies. The Planning and Investment Committee oversees the coordination of UW’s Program Investment Process, provides strategic guidance on development and implementation of System & Innovation and Neighborhood Based investment agendas; reviews proposed investments and sources potential new investment opportunities. The committee also provides the strategic guidance and expertise necessary for performance measurement and continuous learning and improvement.

Trudy Bartley, Chair

Amiee Bowie

LaShaun K. Carter

Steven Gladman

Isi Ikharebha Green

Hannah Jones

Nicholas Jones

Bill Lafayette, Ph.D.

Jennifer Marshal

Steve Mason

Jason Morton

Carrie Harris-Muller

Patrick Westerlund

Public Policy Committee

The Public Policy Committee provides strategic guidance and expertise needed to create and implement a public policy agenda that supports United Way of Central Ohio’s mission to reduce poverty.

Fred Ransier, Chair

Darnita Bradley

Tara Britton

Shawna Bosse Davis

Amy Goyal

Holly Gross

Hannah Halbert

Lisa Patt-McDaniel

Max Pristic

Michael Madriaga

Tracy Nájera

Zach Reat

HR Committee

Lana L. Hillebrand, Chair

Julia R. Baxter

Kevin E. Griffith

Joy Lehman

Michelle Miller

Lori Pierson

Katrina Plourde

Fred Ransier

Daniel L. Richardson

Camille Thompson

Elliott Tobias

Lisa G. Whittaker

Audit Committee

Provides strategic direction and oversight for the annual audit, internal controls, potential risks and exposures for the organization.

Duane Casares, Chair

Carrie Harris-Muller

Craig Marshall

Jeff Miller

Rick Schumacher

Elise Spriggs

Brad Walters

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is comprised of the Chair, the Chair-elect, the immediate past Chair, the Treasurer/Secretary, the vice chairs, a member agency representative, and a representative of organized labor. The Executive Committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the full Board of Trustees between meetings.

Donald E. Brown, Chair

Lisa Ingram, Immediate Past Chair

Barbara Benham

Duane Casares

Dan Crane

Virginia Nunes Gutierrez

Lana Hillebrand

Mark Fluharty

Finance Committee

Provides strategic direction and oversight for the financial operations of the organization including the operating budget, pledge collections and other financial matters. Reports to the United Way of Central Ohio Board of Trustees.

Dan Crane, Chair

Mark Bidstrup

Tim Brader

Brad Campbell

Rachel Caviness

Laura DiFillippo

Doug Feller

Noah Gyimah

Timothy King

Chelsie Lanthorn

Elizabeth Martinez

Bill McGee

Denise Robinson

Stephanie Smith

Nominating & Governance Committee

Robert Tannous, Chair

Donald E. Brown

Lisa Ingram

Chad Jester

Marketing & Communications Committee

Provides strategic marketing and communication expertise to United Way of Central Ohio (UWCO). The marketing and communication experts on this committee will advise UWCO on strategies for critical communications, as well as assist with developing long-range marketing plans that maximize the impact of key brand messages.

Virginia Nunez Gutierrez, Co-ChairJim Kilgore, Co-Chair

Molly Culbertson

Tiffany Grinstead

Ted Hattemer

Xan Palay

Cheryl Pentella

Gayle Saunders

Elise Spriggs

Dr. Karin Wurapa, MD, MPH

Resource Development Committee

The Resource Development Committee defines, champions and refines a business model that produces the resources required for United Way of Central Ohio to achieve its work. It provides strategic direction and a framework to support the Campaign Chairs’ and the staff’s annual and longer-term fundraising efforts. And it advises the Board of Trustees on matters relating to the development of resources and appropriate policies to guide development efforts.

Martyn Redgrave, Chair

Jonica Armstrong

William Alston

Alex Swain Anthony

Betsy Blake

Darci Congrove

Debbie Donahey

Brandon Dupler

Dr. June Gutterman

The Reverend Monsignor, Joseph M. Hendricks

Charles Hill

Denise Robinson

Elon Simms

Robert Tannous

Dr. JoAnna Williamson

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